A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. It can help achieve a flatter, more toned stomach. But a common concern is that the fat removed during a tummy tuck will simply redistribute to other areas of the body afterwards.
What happens to the fat after a tummy tuck?
During a tummy tuck, excess fat deposits are permanently removed from the abdomen along with the excess skin. The fat cells that are taken out during the procedure are discarded and destroyed. They do not get redistributed to other parts of the body.
However, it is possible to still gain weight after a tummy tuck if lifestyle habits remain unchanged. The remaining fat cells in the body can still expand due to excess calorie intake and lack of exercise. While the abdominal area will maintain its more sculpted appearance due to the muscle tightening, weight gain can still occur in other areas.
Why does the myth about fat redistribution persist?
There are a few reasons why some people mistakenly believe that the fat comes back in other areas of the body after a tummy tuck:
- Weight fluctuations can occur after surgery due to changes in diet and exercise habits during recovery. This can create the illusion of fat moving to other parts of the body.
- If weight gain does occur, it may be more noticeable in areas other than the abdomen because the stomach remains flat due to the muscle tightening.
- Some swelling and fluid retention is common after surgery and can temporarily increase measurements in certain body areas until it resolves.
- Scar tissue under the skin can also feel firmer or thicker, which may be mistaken as fat redistribution.
What determines fat distribution in the body?
Fat distribution in the body is determined by several factors:
Genetics
DNA plays a major role in where fat accumulates. Genetics establish each person’s basic body type and shape.
Sex hormones
Estrogen and progesterone in women and testosterone in men influence where fat is deposited. Women tend to store more fat around the hips and thighs compared to men.
Age
As both men and women get older, they tend to gain fat around the abdomen. Loss of sex hormones with age can shift fat distribution to be more central.
Overall body fat percentage
People with higher overall body fat will first accumulate excess fat in areas that are more metabolically efficient for storage, like the abdomen, love handles, and upper back/neck. As body fat increases, more gets distributed across the body.
Can you control where you gain and lose fat?
It is not possible to spot reduce fat from a specific part of the body through exercise and diet alone. Fat is lost or gained across the entire body, not just in isolated areas. However, it is possible to shift your fat distribution over time.
With weight training
Increasing muscle mass through weight training can help reduce fat more noticeably in certain body parts after overall fat loss. The muscles appear more defined when less fat sits on top of them.
With fat loss methods
Overall fat loss through diet, exercise or procedures like liposuction will first create noticeable changes in areas that store more fat. The face, arms, and legs often show fat loss results sooner.
With hormone medications
Medications that alter hormone levels may also change fat distribution patterns. However, these come with considerable side effects and health risks.
Maintaining results from a tummy tuck
While a tummy tuck produces long-lasting results for the abdomen, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for the best outcomes. Here are some tips:
- Follow the surgeon’s postoperative diet and exercise guidelines for proper healing.
- Gradually increase activity levels and do regular abdominal muscle strengthening exercises.
- Maintain a stable weight through healthy eating habits and routine exercise.
- Wear compression garments as recommended to support healing tissues.
- Keep follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and results.
Can you have a second tummy tuck?
In some cases, a second tummy tuck may be performed for recurrent loose skin or muscle laxity. Reasons include:
- Significant weight fluctuations after the first procedure
- Pregnancy stretching the abdomen after a prior tummy tuck
- Loss of scar elasticity over time
- Not removing enough skin initially
However, second tummy tucks tend to be more complex. Scarring from the original surgery must be addressed and there is a higher risk of complications.
Considerations for a second tummy tuck:
- Wait at least one year after the initial tummy tuck.
- Commit to maintaining a stable weight.
- Have realistic expectations about the possible results.
- Be prepared for a longer, more difficult recovery.
Significant weight fluctuations should be avoided after a second tummy tuck for the best results.
Results from tummy tucks compared to liposuction
Tummy tucks and liposuction are two different procedures that can be combined for contouring the abdominal area:
| Tummy Tuck | Liposuction |
|---|---|
| Removes excess, sagging skin | Removes isolated fat deposits |
| Tightens abdominal muscles | Does not remove stretch marks or loose skin |
| Produces more dramatic, longer-lasting contour changes | Produces more subtle shaping and contouring of trouble spots |
| Invasive procedure with significant downtime | Less invasive with quicker recovery period |
A tummy tuck is better suited for addressing overall laxity of the abdominal wall, while liposuction focuses on targeted fat removal. Many patients choose to have both procedures together for comprehensive reshaping of the midsection.
Ideal candidates for combining procedures:
- Have localized fat deposits as well as loose abdominal skin and muscles
- Are in overall good health and have a positive self-image
- Do not smoke or willing to quit well in advance of surgery
- Have realistic expectations for the final results
How is fat removed during liposuction?
Liposuction slims areas of the body by permanently removing pockets of fat. The two main methods include:
Tumescent liposuction
A saline solution is infused into the area to help loosen the fat before it is suctioned out. Less blood loss occurs because the fluid constricts the blood vessels.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)
A cannula that emits ultrasonic energy is inserted through tiny incisions to liquefy the fat before it is vacuumed out. This enables removal of denser, more fibrous fat deposits.
The fat cells removed during liposuction do not get redistributed elsewhere. As long as weight remains stable, the sculpted results are permanent. However, significant weight gain can still expand any remaining fat cells.
Are there alternatives to liposuction?
Nonsurgical body contouring treatments that destroy or reduce fat cells include:
CoolSculpting
Cryolipolysis freezes and destroys fat cells with controlled cooling. Gradual fat reduction becomes visible over one to three months as the dead cells are eliminated.
truSculpt
Radiofrequency energy is used to selectively heat and eliminate fat cells during this non-invasive treatment. Multiple sessions are needed.
SculpSure
This FDA-cleared laser treatment uses heat to disrupt and permanently remove fat cells. Several treatments may be recommended.
Acoustic wave therapy
High-pressure sound waves break down fat cell membranes and contents. Multiple sessions are required before results emerge.
While these devices deliver subtle, incremental fat reduction without surgery, results take weeks or months to become visible. One or more sessions may be required for each treated area.
Can you get rid of belly fat without surgery?
It is possible to significantly reduce belly fat without resorting to liposuction if the right lifestyle measures are followed consistently:
Follow a balanced, low-calorie diet
Focus on consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Reducing intake of processed foods, sodium, sugar and saturated fats can help create a calorie deficit.
Engage in regular aerobic and strength-training exercise
Most experts recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate cardio exercise to help burn calories and belly fat. Combine this with two to three sessions per week of strength training to build metabolism-boosting muscle.
Reduce stress
Chronic stress encourages fat storage around the midsection. Stress management techniques like meditation, yoga and deep breathing can help.
Get enough sleep
Not getting the recommended seven to nine hours per night can disrupt hunger-regulating hormones. This can lead to overeating and fat accumulation around the middle.
Decrease alcohol intake
Reducing alcohol consumption can eliminate a major source of empty calories. Too much alcohol can also impair metabolism and hinder fat loss.
With a tailored exercise regimen and sustainable dietary changes focused on creating a calorie deficit, most people can eliminate stubborn belly fat without turning to liposuction. However, results require consistency and take time.
What to expect during tummy tuck recovery?
Tummy tuck recovery varies by individual but generally progresses through three main phases:
1. First week
- Moderate discomfort, swelling, bruising
- Abdominal drainage and compression garment worn
- Restricted movements and activities
- Pain medication and antibiotics taken
2. Second and third weeks
- Reduce dependency on pain medication
- Follow-up appointment for staple removal
- Some daily activities can be resumed
- Continue wearing compression garment
3. Four to six weeks
- Transition to gentle core strengthening exercises
- Gradually increase mobility and activity
- Swelling and bruising continue to diminish
- Compression garment only worn as needed
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work after two to three weeks. More time should be taken off for physically demanding jobs. Temporary fluid swelling may persist for six months or longer.
Tips for proper tummy tuck recovery:
- Have help available in the first few days for daily tasks
- Get plenty of rest
- Take only short walks in the first week, slowly increasing distance
- Avoid lifting anything over 5 pounds for six weeks
- Sleep in a recliner or with pillows propping you up
- Follow all instructions on wound care and scar management
Full tummy tuck recovery takes about one year for the final results to emerge as swelling resolves and incision lines mature and fade. Optimal results are achieved when instructions are followed diligently through all recovery stages.
Conclusion
In summary, the fat removed during a tummy tuck does not get redistributed or reabsorbed into other areas of the body. As long as weight remains stable, the improvements in abdominal contour after a tummy tuck are permanent. However, it is possible for remaining fat cells to expand in the case of significant weight gain.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise and other positive habits can help keep your tummy tuck results looking optimal for years to come. Be sure to follow all postoperative instructions during recovery to properly heal from surgery. With realistic expectations about the process, most patients are very satisfied with their slimmer, firmer abdominal profile after a tummy tuck.